In Defense of Pinterest

Over the past decade, social media has become more and more of a monetized tool used by brands for marketing and advertising. From Facebook to Instagram, YouTube to Twitter, the urge to sponsor and promote is almost irresistible when algorithms promise more for money. As traditional media evolves and the need for connection increases, it’s no wonder that we’re all trying to get in on the sharing. But where does that leave us at the end of the day, when expressions and impressions have filled our brains, and we’re just in need of something… nice?

Pinterest.

A social media site designed for discovery, Pinterest offers a wide variety of web-based content meant to inspire. From recipes to home décor and so much more, Pinterest has felt increasingly like a safe place for ideas, a place not yet crowded with advertisements and political opinion-sharing.

Social media sites were not created equal, and each serves a distinct purpose in the world of talking and sharing. But when our day-to-day as marketers feels consumed by metrics, it’s a relief to break away and discover beauty on the internet.

As a personal fan of Pinterest, my favorite way to use the site is simply to share the things I see and like. That’s it! No trying to show off my latest outfit or the number of restaurants I’ve been to recently. Just pinning and re-pinning content that makes me feel happy or inspired. Rarely do I consider my followers or notifications, so the experience overall feels personal and curated with myself in mind – not others.

To me, Pinterest acts as a solace of creative inspiration, of art and poetry, of aspirational recipes and future daydreams. A compilation of really whatever I want it to be, sorted to my liking for days when I’m feeling crafty or sappy. Or blue. To me, it’s helped to shape the realization that social media doesn’t have to be about competition or comparison. It doesn’t have to be about opinions or politics. And it doesn’t always have to drive action. Social media can really just be about something simple — like cats and comfort food.

Feeling FOMO from a friend’s curated Instagram feed? Try Pinterest. Sick of reading about your friend’s family on Facebook? Try Pinterest. Fed up with Twitter arguments and negativity? Trust me, try Pinterest. Just open up the app and let your eyes wander. The digital world can really be as simple as that.